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Rolf Harris guilty of sex attacks

Veteran entertainer Rolf Harris saw his decades in the spotlight end in disgrace today as he was found guilty of a string of indecent assaults.

The 84-year-old, once a much-loved artist and musician, was unanimously convicted at Southwark Crown Court of 12 sex charges involving four women, most while they were underage.

His army of supporters, including suited security guards and representatives from PR giant Bell Pottinger who attended every day of the eight-week trial, could do nothing to change the verdict of the jury of six men and six women, who had deliberated for eight days.

Once seen by a UK audience as a national treasure, Harris had enjoyed years of success, netting him a multi-million pound fortune and the chance to paint the Queen.

But the downfall of an entertainer who was part of millions of British childhoods came today, as Harris became the biggest scalp claimed by detectives from high profile sex crime investigation Operation Yewtree, their second conviction after PR guru Max Clifford.

Dozens more alleged victims have come forward during the trial, including several in Australia, and Scotland Yard has been in touch with their counterparts in the Australian police, but it is not yet clear whether they are pursuing any investigation in Harris's home country.

The NSPCC said it has received 28 calls relating to Harris to date, involving 13 people who claim they fell prey to the performer.

Harris, who will be stripped of his BAFTA in the wake of his conviction and could face losing his prestigious CBE, remained impassive as the forewoman delivered the damning verdicts.

He was convicted of groping one woman when she was seven or eight, another two as teenagers and a catalogue of abuse against his daughter's then best friend.

During the trial, the court also heard from six other women who claim they were groped by Harris while abroad.

His daughter Bindi held hands with a fellow supporter, and wife Alwen and niece Jenny also watched from the public gallery as his fate was sealed.

Bindi was later seen crying in a waiting area outside the court, embracing her father's publicist.

The performer was released on bail until Friday when he will be sentenced and could face jail.

Mr Justice Sweeney warned the octogenarian: "In reality given the conviction on all 12 counts it is inevitable that the type of sentence that is uppermost in the court's mind is a custodial sentence and he must understand that."

After the verdicts, Harris walked slowly away from the building, with an emotional Alwen and Bindi by his side.

The family was flanked by three security guards as they faced a throng of international media.

The former family favourite remained silent in the face of continuous questions, cutting a dejected and downbeat figure.

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